Phillies: Asche called up, Young could be dealt

By ROB PARENT, 21st Century Media

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

PHILADELPHIA — Michael Young is in the starting lineup tonight as the flopping Phillies prepare to face the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. This despite the presence of rookie third baseman Cody Asche, who has turned a springboard season at Lehigh Valley into what is thought to be a permanent promotion to Philadelphia.

“You never really know how you’re going to react to it,” Asche said Tuesday about his sudden elevation. “Our manager told me I was going to the big leagues. I said, ‘Today?’ He said, ‘Yeah, today.’ I was like, ‘OK, let’s go.’”

To make room for Asche in the lineup, manager Charlie Manuel said, Young “will probably play some ... at first (base) and third.”

Or, more likely, Young will be playing some third base or perhaps acting as a designated hitter for some other major league team.

It’s more than merely likely that the club will be his old Texas Rangers team. For that to happen, Young may need only to waive his no-trade clause.

For now, Manuel said that Asche would likely be in the starting lineup Wednesday against the Giants.

“I like (Asche). He’s been having a real good season and we want to see him play in the major leagues,” Manuel said. “Anytime you get the chance to come from the minor leagues and get a chance to play, it’s a chance to establish yourself. ... And we can get a good look at him.

“He’s a line drive hitter. He’s got power when he gets the ball up in the air. When I saw him he was very adequate at third base and (reports are) that he’s improved.”

But what if a deal with the Rangers or any other team for Young doesn’t go through? Look for him to play at the corners on occasion, but probably sink to a backup role, too, for the rest of the season.

“Asche can play the position,” Manuel said with a reference to third base, “and he’ll have a little better bat. We didn’t bring him him up here to sit the bench, but we didn’t bring him up here to bench Michael Young, either.”

No matter how close they may be to dealing Young, the Phillies clearly want to get a look at Asche. He was hitting .295 with 15 home runs and 68 RBIs in 104 games with the Iron Pigs this season.

“I just kind of take it on a daily basis and try to work hard and try to earn opportunities in this game,” Asche said. “That’s all you can ask for.”